'A Protector Of The Idea Of India': Tributes For Sitaram Yechury Pour In From Across Political Spectrum

Sitaram Yechury Death: CPIM heavyweight Sitaram Yechury passed away due to a chest infection. Political leaders across parties, including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, expressed condolences.

CPI(M) general secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday after battling a prolonged chest infection. He was 72. He was admitted to the intensive care unit of AIIMS, Delhi, on August 19 and was being treated for acute respiratory tract infection. Over the past few days, he had been on respiratory support, under treatment by a multidisciplinary team of doctors.

Soon after the news of his death became public, political leaders cutting across party lines paid tribute to the CPI-M behemoth. Giving condolences to Yechury, PM Modi said, "He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour."

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said Sitaram Yechury was a leader who understood the nation well and was a "protector of the Idea of India".

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered her condolences to Yechury's family, saying: "I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."

BJP leader and Union minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury ji. We had many years of working relations in the Parliament. Extending my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers."

Congress leader Pawan Khera said in a post on X, " A thorough gentleman and a man of unwavering conviction. Indian politics shall miss you and the values you lived for."

BJP MP and Vice-President of BCCI has also expressed his grief over his death saying, " Pained to know about demise of veteran leader and former parliamentarian Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He dedicated his life to the service of the people and contributed immensely to Indian politics and public discourse. His absence will always be felt. My condolences to his family."

CPI-M thanked the doctors and nursing staff of AIIMS-Delhi for the treatment and care extended to "comrade" Yechury. The party said that the details of when the public can pay their final tributes to Yechury will be announced soon.

Describing Yechury for his knowledge and articulation, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on X "Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation. He was also my friend with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!

Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, also expressed his condolences and said in a post on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Comrade Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). My deepest condolences to his family and comrades of CPI(M) during this difficult time. He is a staunch Marxist and an old friend of the Chinese people. His contribution to China-India relations and friendship will be remembered forever."